DIPLOMATIC NOTES, A LOVE STORY
ISSUE FOUR: March, 2020
DIPLOMATIC NOTES, A LOVE STORY
From: Melzer, Sara <melzersm@state.gov>
Date: July 14, 2010
To: Lockwood, Portia <lockwoodpa@state.gov>
Subject: Re: Off to Post…
Yes! Lunch! Sorry about the delayed reply, I’m doing the leadership course. Could you have guessed that my thirtieth attempt at the Myers-Briggs still shows a raging E for EXTRAVERSION? How’s Wednesday? Casey’s? Sorry to hear about Dan; hope he’s back out there soon, giving the Prime Minister grief for the ethnic-cleansing-that-we-still-haven’t-publicly-called-a-genocide. The border between truth and lie by omission grows ever thinner and more fantastic.
But anyway: I can’t tell, are you thrilled about your first Public Affairs Officer gig? ☺
Ruby knows Gabe. He’s everything that’s wrong with political officers.
Tell Joe I said hi. That steak he made is still the best thing I’ve ever eaten. You’re a lucky woman.
Sara Melzer
Ethiopia Desk Officer
202-647-XXXX
From: Lockwood, Portia <lockwoodpa@state.gov>
Sent: July 12, 2010
To: Melzer, Sara <melzersm@state.gov>
Subject: Off to Post…
Hi Sara,
It’s been so long! Back in DC for consultations before going to Xanadu…as the new PAO! Love it – cultural programs and press…
Do you have time for lunch? Packing out next Thursday and Friday – Joe’s managing the movers, bless him. Otherwise, all’s well, except that I heard Dan is going back to DC for health reasons, and may be curtailing. (I hope not. The whole point was to work for “Deputy Chief of Mission Dan.” Do you remember that speech he gave during A-100 – lots of mustard for us newbies!) The acting Deputy is apparently Gabriel Valentine; I don’t know him. But Carolyn will be there – do you remember her? One more tour with the foreign circus, she says, then she’s done. ☺
BTW Joe says hi! (Can you believe we’ve been married five years?)
Hope to see you!
Portia
A foreign affairs magazine article, May 2010
Xanadu: No Longer Flying High
After some post-independence turbulence and a bumpy landing in the Soviet orbit during the Cold War, Xanadu found a glide path in the 1990s. The West cheered when Xanadu elected technocrat “Monsieur Adam” to pilot the (air)ship of state. Unfortunately, a restive military, sectarian violence, and ethnic cleansing allegations signal that this ‘fragile democracy’ is looking more fragile than democratic. Xanadu’s skies are darkening…
A handwritten card, from Mrs. Carolyn Summers to Ms. Portia Lockwood
June 2, 2011
Dear Portia,
Here is my personal email: summers.carolyn.47@gmail.com. I’m happy to be going Home to Oregon. My Mom is smiling like an angel. I loved the Foreign Service but it’s time to go. But I will always treasure the Memories, especially in Xanadu.
Sometimes the Lord brings people together for a Reason. And if you were my Daughter I would tell you to follow your Heart. I’m sorry if that’s too direct but I had to say it.
I wish you Good Luck always and please write.
Sincerely,
Carolyn
November 4, 2011
PROMOTIONS IN THE FOREIGN SERVICE: FS-02 TO FS-01
…
…
Urlacher, Michael
Valentine, Gabriel
Vasquez, Maria
…
…
[Phone connection between +259 414571703 and +1 414-555-0618, September 29, 2010]
Portia: Hi, Mom.
Portia: Yes, thanks, it just arrived. I’ve broken into the M&Ms and Joe says he loves the Sudoku book.
Portia: He’s working as a security escort. Not what he had in mind, but it’s employment.
Portia: No, not Christmas – they’re giving the longer-tenured first crack at that. But New Year’s. Tell Aunt Patty I’m looking forward to seeing her. How’re things there?
Portia: Mr. Rhodes…his second? Good for him! I wonder if he remembers me…
Portia: I’m just kidding, Mom. Tell him I said hi.
Portia: Well, it’s…it’s tough. I mean, most of my colleagues are decent or better, and the local people are very friendly. But, you know, terrified for their lives…
Portia: He’s not making things any easier.
Portia: Gabe. Gabriel, I should say. He’s here with his girlfriend.
Portia: Margaret. She’s no prize either.
Portia: Getting enough feedback is not the issue.
Portia: We’re working on a trip up-country. Saying that Gabriel gets down in the weeds suggests that we’re still at the level of individual weeds. And I’m being forced to go too.
Portia: Yes, I mean, um, I get to go too.
Portia: It’s only a year, right?
[Power failure.]
File name, Medical Unit, U.S. Embassy Xanadu
MedEvacReq 20110627 - Lockwood, Portia E XXX-XX-2459 Mater.
A yellow sticky note on Portia Lockwood’s monitor, September 2016
Tag, you’re it. Verse 32 now in your inbox.
5+ years in the making.
(Can’t believe it’s been that long since Boza…)
Pages 1 and 3 of a diplomatic cable appearing on Wikileaks.
MRN: 11 XANADU CITY 153
Date: May 25, 2011
From: AMEMBASSY XANADU CITY
Action: WASHDC, SecState
ROUTINE
E.O.: 13526
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, ASEC, XN
Captions: Sensitive
Subject: Xanadu National TV Director Issues Coup Warning
(C) SUMMARY. Léon Garaga [protect], Director of Xanadu’s TV1, requested a face-to-face meeting after business hours May 25 to warn the Acting DCM that Xanadu is at the “boiling point,” and he feared a coup attempt within 72 hours. Garaga described an ominous visit from senior military leadership earlier today and predicted, “Their next visit will include tanks on the lawn and Papi [the army spokesman’s nom de guerre] announcing ‘the Red General’ as our new leader.” Two local activists, two exchange alumni, and three friendly missions have independently contacted Post this evening with corroborating information. Post has scheduled an Emergency Action Committee meeting for 2100 hours. END SUMMARY.
(C) Léon Garaga [protect], Director of Xanadu’s TV1, requested a face-to-face meeting at 1830 today (“when the staff will have gone home and we can have a private conversation,” he clarified) to warn us –
Approved: Knight, Robert (AMB)
Cleared: Valentine, Gabriel
Drafted: Lockwood, Portia
Released By: Valentine, Gabriel
Conversation on Microsoft Lync at the Harry S. Truman Building, October 28, 2016
Hey.
Hey.
They made everything but an offer.
Well deserved. Congrats!
You’re taking it, right?
Yes. Probably.
I think they’ll approve Margaret’s
telecommuting.
Cool.
I hate to leave though.
We’ll be OK.
I…yeah, I know you will.
Of course we’ll miss you.
But…that’s the job, right?
You know how I….
BTW…Did you…get a text last night?
Yes.
I didn’t know
I’m sorry.
Sorry, hit return too early. I didn’t know what
to say, so I didn’t say anything.
I was talking about the evacuation. She
misunderstood.
OK.
I…don’t know what to say.
I get it. It’s OK.
Lync sucks. Can you come to my
office?
Sure.
Midwest Falls Gazette
February 1, 2012
Births
A baby boy, Josiah King, to Lucas and Charlotte King, of Midwest Falls.
A baby girl, Eleanor Rose Schneider, to Joseph Schneider and Portia Lockwood, of Salem.
Portia Lockwood’s handwritten list, August 6, 2015
TO DO
0900 Fatou
1215 lunch with Joe (move?)
100 NGO Pour Les Enfants
300 countdown
Call Victoria (8:30 a.m. Washington)
Select intern
Offsite?
Counseling session for M. (#3)
Call nanny re: Eleanor
DO NOT
Email G.
No, seriously.
Receipt found in Gabriel Valentine’s wallet, October 2016
22 MAI 2011
RECU MARCHE 1 MAI
1 BOUTEILLE VIN BLANC PETAILLANT 3800
1 BOITE FRAISES 800
EN ESPECES 4600
360 Review for Valentine, Gabriel from Lockwood, Portia
October 10, 2016
Please describe how you know the candidate.
I served with Gabe as a direct report (while he served as acting DCM) in Xanadu (August 2010 – June 2011). I am currently his direct report in Washington (July 2016-present).
What are the candidate’s greatest strengths?
Our Ambassador in Xanadu described him as ‘intrepid’; I don’t think I can top that.
Gabe has his fingers on the pulse of every policy, program, and person in this office…but he also empowers them to do their jobs.
He’s a polished and persuasive writer; every paper that I send to him comes away better.
And his interpersonal skills are outstanding; I’ve seen him respond with care and consideration to pregnant employees, to a drinking problem within the Mission, and to an entire embassy facing an evacuation.
I’d serve with him again, anywhere.
What are the candidate’s greatest weaknesses?
Not having been his supervisor, I couldn’t say.
Would you recommend the candidate for a position of responsibility?
Without hesitation.
Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Hanson-Davies
and
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Valentine
Invite you to celebrate the marriage of their children
Mary Margaret
and
Gabriel Christopher
on
November 5, 2011
Consecutive posts on Mission Xanadu’s Facebook page, October 21, 2010
Translated from the French
Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Gabriel Valentine traveled to Boza yesterday to meet Governor Amos and to discuss security and human rights issues in Bozana province. Valentine said that the United States remains a friend and partner of Xanadu, but is gravely concerned about the violence in Bozana province. He emphasized that the perpetrators of the violence must be held accountable.
Acting DCM and Boza Mayor Amos opened the city’s first-ever American Corner at Boza University. The U.S. Embassy in Xanadu contributed five new computers with software for English language learning, as well as books in French and English. The Corner will also feature “soft skills” programming for Boza University students.
[Photos of travelers A/DCM Valentine and PAO Lockwood not included]
Excerpt from Gabriel Valentine’s personal journal, date unknown
…I know I shouldn’t think about it, but…what do you do when the universe is nudging you toward something at entirely the wrong time?
Embassy of the United States to Xanadu website, security message, May 12, 2011
Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Drawdown of Embassy Xanadu City
The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that the embassy has ordered departure of eligible family members of U.S. government personnel and authorized departure of U.S. direct-hire government personnel due to increasing violence and lawlessness in the capital. The Embassy recommends that remaining U.S. citizens should also depart…
…The Embassy remains open for limited business, including emergency assistance.
From: Lockwood, Portia <Lockwoodpa@state.gov>
Date: August 20, 2015
To: Valentine, Gabriel <valentineg@state.gov>
Subject: Re: Re: Re: Bid on the Atlantis Desk
Sorry to hear that.
Clearly this whole bidding process hasn’t gone as expected.
Is it too late to suggest calling you next Wednesday at four?
From: Valentine, Gabriel <valentineg@state.gov>
Date: August 19, 2015
To: Lockwood, Portia <Lockwoodpa@state.gov>
Subject: Re: Re: Bid on the Atlantis Desk
It was last-minute; Margaret’s mother is going downhill rapidly.
I imagine we should do a proper interview. Please suggest a time.
From: Lockwood, Portia <Lockwoodpa@state.gov>
Date: August 19, 2015
To: Valentine, Gabriel <valentineg@state.gov>
Subject: Re: Bid on the Atlantis Desk
Hi Gabe,
I thought you were still taking the Abidjan job – had no idea you went back to DC.
All the public diplomacy types have been advised to get a job on a desk if they ever want to seek leadership positions.
P
From: Valentine, Gabriel <valentineg@state.gov>
Date: August 18, 2015
To: Lockwood, Portia <Lockwoodpa@state.gov>
Subject: Bid on the Atlantis Desk
Hi,
I just arrived in the deputy job in AF/X, and learned that you’re bidding on the Atlantis desk. I’m really surprised not to have heard about this from you.
Best,
Gabe
Text message.
Date: October 27, 2016
To: 571-555-2459
From: 301-555-2014
lEave him alone.
A sheet of college-ruled paper on Gabriel Valentine’s chair, September 2016
Here it is, verse 33 of ‘The Ballad of Foggy Bottom’. If acceptable, I will enter it into the formal email record.
With wide eyes they watched the coming election
Drinking in ev’ry CNN projection
Hoping the winner’d assert the primacy
Of America’s great foreign policy
They gamed out what each new president might do
…and meanwhile reminisced about Xanadu.
[An embossed State Department seal]
December 21, 2016
The Embassy of the United States of America presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Democratic Republic of Lemuria, and would like to formally announce the nomination of Mr. Gabriel Valentine as the next Consul General in Faraway City…
…please accept the assurances of our highest consideration.
July 31, 2011
Transcript of a representative from the State Department Office of the Inspector General, Brian James “B.J.” Blake, interviewing Paolo Ramirez, the Marine Security Guard on duty during the opening of the battle of Xanadu City, May 25-26, 2011.
Blake: …the Embassy was already drawn down, right?
Ramirez: Right. All the spouses and girlfriends had been evacuated a couple weeks before. There were maybe nine officers left, all camping in their offices.
Blake: OK. So what happened that day?
Ramirez: The DCM –
Blake: Acting DCM Gabriel Valentine.
Ramirez: Right. He and the PAO had gone out to a meeting; they looked pretty shaken up afterward.
Blake: When’d they get back?
Ramirez: Nineteen hundred. Anyway, usually the DCM said hello, stopped to chat – he was like that, you know? – but he said, “We’ve got to get that written up –” and they went inside.
Blake: A cable went out that evening.
Ramirez: I guess. I saw them when I was doing my rounds. They were sitting beside each other at his desk. It was getting late, and somebody had broken into a bottle of champagne. She said, “Do you clear?” – it seemed like she was flipping him off with her eyebrows, you know, but in a funny way – he just grinned. I left. They held the Emergency Action meeting. And then the building shook – I thought it was an earthquake until I heard the BOOMs.
Blake: So then what happened?
Ramirez: We did our accountability – everyone was fine – then I went back to Post One.
Blake: And?
Ramirez: Washington called –
Blake: The State Operations Center? Twenty-three hundred local?
Ramirez: Yeah, exactly, they had heard about the explosions on CNN…they wanted to talk to the DCM. No answer in his office. I called around…no one knew where he was, but obviously he hadn’t left, so I went to look…
Blake: And?
Ramirez: I saw them on the ladder going to the roof. I heard him say, “If we get a direct hit, we’re done for anyway. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” I couldn’t see who he was talking to, and he didn’t hear me call. So I followed them.
Blake: Them?
Ramirez: Him and the lady – the PAO, I mean. But I didn’t know that then.
Blake: OK.
Ramirez: I went up after them. And the sky – man, it looked like the apocalypse – smoky, orange-streaked, with just a line of stars poking through…and –
Blake: What?
Ramirez: Well, I – felt funny.
Blake: Funny?
Ramirez: …interrupting.
Blake: What? Why?
Ramirez: Well, they were looking out, watching those little rockets lighting up the night – but…they were standing kinda close. Like in a movie. And I saw…
Blake: What?
Ramirez: …I don’t wanna get anyone in tr-
Blake: Go on.
Ramirez: They had their fingers – like this…
Blake: Interlaced?
Ramirez: Yeah.
Blake: Did they say anything?
Ramirez: [Pause.] Yeah, I guess. He said, “Portia, I –” and she said, “Me too.” Then he said, “We’re lucky tonight.”
Blake: And?
Ramirez: And what? Washington was on the phone. I said, “Sir…”
LINDA MCMULLEN is a wife, mother, diplomat, and homesick Wisconsinite. Her short stories have appeared or are forthcoming in over thirty literary magazines, including, most recently, Arachne Press, Luna Station Quarterly, Ripples in Space, Write Ahead/The Future Looms Magazine, Drunk Monkeys, Turnpike, and Storgy.